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Thursday, June 30, 2011

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com received the following interesting letter: "I read your site several times a week. Allow me to introduce myself and my wife, call us Jim and Maybelle. We live in the desert Southwest and although my house and plot are not fenced, and we have on open field on one side, and we are across a two lane state road from a sub-division we still call ourselves urbanites.

I am 63 years old, my wife 61. I did well enough in several business enterprises to retire early with a small pension from a 401k and now rely on rental house income, a home based business income and early social security. I am an outdoorsman and have hunted for nearly four decades including the hunt trip of a lifetime in Africa. I saw the way this country was going several years ago and started to position much of my assets for better short term control.

I like the Chapters on Jim and more recently the discussion on whether or not to have Gold and Silver. Actually it is a no brainer. All should have at least a small quantity of Silver, the easiest and cheapest to procure. A small amount bought each month can stack up fairly quickly. I did not start buying either until three years ago. I am certainly glad I did. I own a few rifles and sporting shotguns but never bought anything for "personal defense" until a couple years ago. Now my wife and I are pretty competent with Springfield XD-45 pistols and I just bought a Ruger Ranch Rifle in .223 and I am incredibly impressed by this little, lightweight gun.

I am not quite to the point where my wife and I are willing to give up our great life accessing restaurants, close friends, the local gym and swimming pool but understand very well that where we are at may be an untenable place to live due to close proximity to a large population who will surely be "have nots". Thanks for the constant reminders about building a survival team but for many people this is not feasible. I have a private joke about building a survival squad of geriatrics! I did however buy a Range Rover and am getting better prepared all the time to "Bug Out" as you call it. Also have started a garden which is the first time we have grown anything at all besides flowers.

If you can manage it, how about writing something on vehicle preparedness, tools, maybe some common supplies to keep vehicles running during a collapse where maintenance providers will not be available? Thanks for all the information so far!"

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Received this e-mail question: "My brother and I are preparing our old abandoned farmhouse as a Bug Out location for his family and mine. We're doing all the things that everyone else is doing. We have an advantage is that we are both woodsmen and hunters and have plenty of guns. Both our wives can garden goods. We already cleared two areas, one 3 acres and the other almost an acre for our garden. We don't buy any of that prepared food but we buy alot of dry goods and canned food. We plan on continuing to work on the farm, but live in town about 3 hours away as we needs our jobs. Our farm house has a well that water is brought up by hand (no pump). We also have a stream about

1/2 mile away that has no fish but runs full year. We are planning on buying a couple water pumps and above ground storage tanks but cannot decide on either a fuel generator or a solar generator. What should we be considering? It will primarily be used for the well and to recharge our batteries for the lanterns."

UrbanMan’s reply: Sounds like you have a great Bug Out location depending how far from the nearest population center you are; any nearby prisons; and possible evacuation and refugee routes.

I would really have a hard time making either my primary or sole power source being a fuel generator. Just too dependant upon fuel and will have maintenance issues with too much use, or too little use and oxidation from the fuel. I would look at solar and look at establishing a depth of solar capabilities from charging small systems to as large as you can afford.

A larger solar charging system such as the PowerSource 1800 Solar Generator which is probably the largest and high performing portable solar power system available. Technology is always changing so it pays to looks around.

A friend of mine bought a PowerSource 1800 to power his well pump to fill his holding tanks. He has two 400 gallon tanks outside of his cabin which are gravity fed into the cabin. He also powers a set of lights in his cabin as well as a small refrigerator. He, like me, also has some smaller wattage and cheaper solar systems, bought from wholesale hardware stores, to power re-chargers for his batteries. We both have several battery recharging stations for AA and AAA batteries for our radios, lanterns and flashlights.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Among the possible collapse scenarios and subsequent threats is a biological catastrophe that mutates previous dead people into flesh eating Zombies. You know it's true or otherwise Hollywood would not have made so many movies with Zombies. Enter the U.S. Army,..not necessarily known for their flexibility, but eventually someone "gets with the program" and now the U.S. Army have developed doctrine on how to fight the Zombie threat.

FM 999-3, Counter Zombie Operations at the Fire Team Level, is the primary doctrinal reference on conducting fire team sized infantry operations in a Zombie infested environment in the United States. The term “Zombie” refers to a previously living biological organism which continues to move with purpose while showing no other sign of life (negative pulse, blood circulation, cognitive function etc).

This manual is divided into five chapters:

Chapter 1, The Zombie.
This chapter discusses the most current intelligence on the Zombie’s combat capabilities.

Chapter 2, Zombie Fighting Equipment.
This chapter will explain what equipment is required to fight in a Zombie infested environment. Note that some of the equipment is not standard issue, but can be made with readily available materials and with readily available tools.

Chapter 3, The Fireteam in a Zombie infested environment.
Basic formations, soldier tasks and fireteam tactics in a four man fire team in counter-Zombie operations.

Chapter 4, Terrain and Weather.
This chapter will cover what terrain and weather conditions are favorable and which are not when conducting counter-Zombie operations.

Chapter 5, Civilian Considerations.
This chapter addresses proper procedures involving armed and unarmed civilians. These situations vary from a hostile civilian force engaging in armed conflict against the United States Military to civilians requesting protection.

In a Zombie infested environment, the Zombies are not the only threat to achieving tactical, operational and strategic objectives. Understanding of other field manuals, notably FM 19-15 Civil Disturbances, FM 3-4 NBC Protection and FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad is highly recommended to achieve maximum effectiveness in a Zombie infested environment. Where there is conflicting information between FM 999-3 and other field manuals, information on FM 999-3 takes
precedence in a Zombie infested environment.

The smart survivalist would procure a copy and place in their Survival-Collapse library,...for those just in case scenarios.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com received this comment from Anonymous: " just this week I started watching a tv show called Jericho - it is available on netflix streaming for those who have it. maybe on other on demand services or via dvd etc. I never saw this show before but I do remember it being talked about when it was on during 2006-2008 seasons. So far very interesting - and quite realistic so far in most situations, reactions etc... barter is being done episode 7-8 with household goods or anything of value etc... not everybody has gold etc... nearly everybody was unprepared for any event (just like in real life). I recommend it, it sort of reminds me of a television series based on the book One Second After (at least so far it does) I can't wait to see how the show ends....."

UrbanMan's comments: Some one gave me the DVD series on Jericho. Pretty entertaining but you can't help but cringe on all the mistakes they make. I watched it over a year ago, but let's see if I can remember those mistakes.

During the first couple of episodes, the town seemed to be waiting for the power to come back on,....pretty realistic, but a more prudent approach would have been to do some parallel planning and preparation just in case the power did not come back on, or, to get ready for things to get worse....and they did.

The two biggest mistakes up front was the lack of organization for security and a more complete attempt to ensure a food supply through the immediate development of gardens and food conservation/rationing efforts....and this is rural Kansas! Where growing food is a way of life. This was the same mistake the survivors in "One Second After" made. Wintertime is no excuse. In both scenarios these people should have built some green houses and planted crops. Sure it would take months to get any produce, but they did have some food in the beginning, especially when that kid found the train in Jericho.

A food rationing and distribution program where people worked for the community and were fed from community stocks has got to be one of the solutions on the table. With everyone for themselves, anarchy reins.

As I remember it took a few episodes for the town of Jericho to organize a security group, what they called the "rangers". I think picking a few of the best men (and women) in town, conducting some training and building the police force a little larger would have been a prudent measures, especially when Jericho lost a couple of lawmen earlier on. A separate police force and security force, who work together but have distinct basic tasks may work best. Plus it helps spread the power a little.

I won't ruin the show for you by writing about the last few episodes where a form of national government(s) come into play. But at the local level in Jericho, I would have tried to create an advisory board to back stop the Mayor's decisions and this would also create an atmosphere where there is better representation and better planning.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post Survival Planning - The Argument Against Precious Metals: "Let me explain why "profit" entered into the discussion of buying silver or gold. I held a substantial amount of gold and silver for about 22 years. I did finally sell it at a profit and I'm happy I did. Had I invested it during those "go-go" years I would have about four times as much money from that investment. I don't care if you are rich or poor having four times as much money to prepare for bad times is, well it's four times better then what ever you have. Until you have held your gold and silver for 22 years with no chance to sell it at a profit or even break even then you do not know about the second thoughts and self doubts.”

“During the entire time I held that gold and silver I NEVER had a year’s supply of food. Today I have a lot of food and a lot of other preps but no gold and silver. Ask me if I believe I am better prepared today or when I had 150 pounds of precious metal in safe deposit boxes!!! Now, I believe in PM's and if things get really bad I am willing to trade some food for junk silver, silver rounds and gold. I am not willing to buy another 150 lbs of PMs and wait another 22 years to get my money back. At some point in the future things will get better (I hope! They could get so bad we are all dead). But if things get better it is likely all of you who invested in PMs will get the opportunity I had and that is to hold your PMs for years and years without any hope of ever getting all your money back.”

UrbanMan replies: Okay “Mr. Anonymous I don’t believe in PM’s”, your point is taken and certainly valid. My plan is to have PM’s pre-need, meaning I am holding mostly Silver, junk and bullion, in case the dollar collapses and I need to buy something when fiat currency is not accepted.

I am not holding such a vast amount as to put a burden on me if I have to execute an emergency Bug Out.

At some point we preppers prioritize our procurement and readiness, however I am comfortable with the amount and types of food I have put away; the type of firearms and amounts of ammunition I own; and the general other preps I have undertaken.

I just think we are looking at PM’s from different perspectives: You - as a valid or invalid investment; and me - as a small part, but a necessary component of an overall SHTF insurance plan. I hope this is all for nothing,...I hope to pass my silver bullion, silver coins I have compiled for silver melt value and the tiny amount of gold I have onto my family decades from now.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Recently the website urbandangers.com was brought to my attention. Urban Danger is releasing a film entitled "Urban Danger" which they bill as a product far from a “survivalist” film, but one that takes a common-sense look at our roots, finding practical solutions to problems we face today. In the film you will meet many people from all walks of life who show you the common-sense preparations they are making for difficult times ahead. And in the process, they have found a superior quality of life. They have found what “real living” is all about.

As I have written before, it isn't about "Survival", it's about "Surviving with as much quality of life or with the least amount of disruption possible." To be sure, we really cannot predict the amount of changes that will occur, only time will tell.

You can go to the website and order the DVD or watch it on-line. UrbanDanger.com advertises the following concerning the movie:

The Dangers

On this DVD you will find information about the dangers we are facing. We must understand the problem before we can work on a solution. The problems range from massive chemical exposure to nutritionally empty food. From crime and violence to utter dependence on large corporations for necessities of life. From impure air and water to debilitating levels of stress. And from threatened terrorist attacks to an almost total loss of connection with our Maker. And the list goes on...

While almost all of these dangers are much more acute in urban and suburban areas, some may affect even those living in country areas if they have not taken the proper precautions. So before we cover the solutions, let's gain a better understanding of the problems.

While Urban Danger does look at some of the problems and hazards facing city dwellers, its main thrust is finding solutions to the problem. If you are unsure or at all skeptical about the dangers of urban areas, you should check out another great DVD that has been recently released:

America's Cities: The Coming Crisis - Expert witness from extremely credible people is found on this powerful movie regarding the precarious and perilous position our cities are in. It is a must see.

The Solutions

Solutions--that is what this website is all about. Can we do anything or do we simply give up and try to not think about the dangers? Friends, there IS something you can do! Some of the solutions are surprisingly simple, some may take a little more effort. But all will be well worth it! Remember, this is not only about trying to survive from the many perils, this is about quality of life. This is about getting back to basics. About actually having a family once again. About providing the best possible environment for you and your children to develop in. About being able to help others in times of need rather than being the one helped. About giving rather than receiving!

The dangers are certainly an impetus for us to act and act now! But even without all of these dangers, making the move to change your lifestyle yields such a multitude of blessings that it would still be well worth it. If you haven't gathered it by now, the solution is about much more than simply relocating down the road. It is a change of pace. Removing stress from one's life. Re-assessing your priorities in life. Placing God first in your life and your family next, with everything else taking its rightful place behind. Taking responsibility for your family's necessities of life. Not being imprudent enough to depend on the systems of the world to provide those necessities. And sharing the blessings you have found with as many as you can. This is the solution.

Below you will find a number of main categories which contain practical information on how you can take action and provide a proactive solution for your family before it is too late.

The below video gives the read some insight into the UrbanDanger.com products.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Anonymous sent the following comment about Lever Guns vice Assault Rifles: ” Over the course of a few weeks I have read a number of posts here about weapons. I have most examples mentioned in my gun safes, yet as a non-threatening and effective "Urban Assault Rifle" my Henry in 44 mag combines a short range, hard hitting cartridge with adequate firepower, with a non-threatening appearance. I do not believe that you must prepare for combat when SHTF, You must (however) be prepared to move, defend you and yours and remain as stealthy as possible until you reach your safe location or button down your home. After that, out will come my M-14, AR and AK with all mags loaded and ready to go. For quick emergency situations I believe not having to carry multiple magazines with their attendant bulk could be an advantage in quick, quiet movement. TTFN.”

UrbanMan’s reply: While I am not usually walking or driving around with a M-4 carbine and assault vest in my backseat, I think I am prepared or as prepared as I am willing to be, protection wise, on a daily basis,....but that changes as the situation changes. As my routine, tasks or destinations change and as the situation changes, I re-assess and make the necessary changes in my preparation level.

At home my standard readiness is several loaded handguns and flashlights situated around the house and a double barreled 12 gauge shotgun near the bed. I have my M-4’s and other guns in the next room, in gun safes. In each gun safe are ammunition cans. In the case of the M-4 “ready can”, I have 600 rounds of ammunition and six empty 20 round P-Mags as well as a 30 round H&K steel magazine partially loaded with 10 rounds.

I have boxes of ammunition in the safe for each of the guns I have there, which incidentally include some lever guns – they just are neat guns aren’t they?

Changes I also make are my protocols based on where I am going, the current situation and just my general “spidy sense”. These protocols include communications and no-communications plan with the family and a few selective friends; it includes what other kit I am putting in my vehicle; the routes I take on routine and non-routine errands or general travel.

Recently I made a trip via vehicle that was about 700 miles each way. I rented a car and put two (empty) 2.5 gallon gas cans in the trunk and my siphon kit – just in case. I put my M-4 and a chest rig in a bag in the back seat with a 5.11 Rush 24 bag that is one of my Bug Out bags. I also carried a Glock 19 and eight 1 ounce silver rounds. I left a route plan with my family and e-mailed it to two friends. Cell phone was fully charged, as it would be for the return drive. I was leaving on a Thursday morning and coming back on a Sunday and I just wanted to be prepared in case any financial collapse, self –induced or caused by outside entities, occurring on the Friday which is a prime day for these events to happen.

If I got stranded and had to start moving on foot, I would call family and friends and establish contact times so I could turn my cell phone off and conserve battery time as I moved.

So I guess have a slightly different point of view. I don’t think I’m ultra paranoid it’s just from my experience which includes losing a couple of close friends to hostile fire. I think a small amount of planning and preparation goes along way. So I don’t phrase my preps as preparing for “combat”,……am I prepared for what I assess the situation requires and to the extent I am comfortable with.
And lever guns, or anything else that isn't magazine fed or of a sufficient caliber are not for the highest threat environments.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

If you are not preparing now, you are in fact just plain crazy! Just too many instances of facts, warnings and predictions for all but the thickest rose colored glasses to ignore.

NYU Professor Nouriel Roubini has seized the headlines again, warning that a "perfect storm" of economic disasters may smash the global economy in 2013. Roubini's perfect storm consists of four factors:
-The U.S. 's basket-case of an economy and budget deficit,
-A potential slowdown in China,
-European debt restructuring and
-Stagnation in Japan.

One problem that seems undeniable is the European debt crisis, which has defied all attempts to paper it over and kick the can down the road. Greece is broke, and no serious analyst thinks it will ever be able to pay back its debts. Roubini says "Everybody's kicking the can down the road of too much public and private debt. The can is becoming heavier and heavier, and bigger on debt, and all these problems may come to a head by 2013 at the latest."

50% more people are borrowing from their 401K plans. Some doing it as a source of immediate cash and others to fund survival preparation.

Two months ago the United States total crude oil imports averaged slightly over 9,000 thousand barrels per day with the top five exporting countries being Canada (near 30%), Mexico (near 15%), Saudi Arabia (near 12%), Venezuela (near 10%) and Nigeria (near 10%),......only two of the five states can be described as remotely stable. Upon a dollar collapse, fuel imports will drastically rise in price. We are surely in for a beating.

And now we have mainstream people talking about chaos and violence in the U.S. upon an economic collapse.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Starting to get a "back and forth" on Precious Metals whether or not this is an essential item for the well prepared survivor. Anonymous has left this new comment" "I didn't sink all my available liquidity into gold and silver. I suppose I could have just left it there. My point was that for 20 years I could not make a profit with it and in fact since those were to 20 go-go years of the stock market I probably could have turned all that into a million dollars. So I don't have a problem with some PMs but keep in mind the silver you buy today for $38 may drop like a rock and not reach that price again in your lifetime. I don't like to gamble and PM investing is gambling. Yes it is a viable way to prepare for an economic collapse but hopefully you have other plans as well. Today I am PM free but I am a prepper never the less. When TSHTF I my well sell you some food for gold and silver."

UrbanMan replies: Nor did I sink anything but what I could afford to spend on Gold and Silver,...mostly Silver. I don't think the word "profit" should even in the equation when it comes to talking about the validity of having Gold sand Silver in case of a major collapse.....again, the lifeline purpose as opposed to investment.

Sure there are many investors who think the coming collapse, as bad as it may be, will also be fairly short and the Country will come out of it on the good end and those with Gold and Silver will be the new rich people. This is what George Soros and many others are doing and that is ensuring they have a lot of Gold and Silver so they can ensure they will be among the riches when this Country comes out of a major collapse.

I have been talking to a friend of a friend, who is a local investment advisor from a national chain. Aside from the fact that he is very close to having to find another line of work because of the downturn in investing and returns, he recognizes the probability of a collapse. With two small children under 6 years old, he is very scared. Even this guy who made his living helping people with financial planning and investing has now bought some physical Silver as a lifeline......as well as stockpiled some food and bought a handgun to supplement his hunting firearms.

Without a doubt there are Preppers, and I know some of them, that refuse to buy PM's, even coins for Silver melt value, because they believe they won't be able to buy enough to make a difference. I think that's just crazy. If you didn't have a firearm, would you not buy one even though you couldn't afford a high end AR? To me this is the same line of thinking.

I have never placed PM's in a priority position unless all of your other needs are met. Everyone has to determine what that is on their own. In fact, I would consider many other items more essential than Gold or Silver. Those items would be: firearms and ammunition; food and more food; water purification means (in depth meaning many systems); seeds; tools; radios, flashlights, batteries and recharging systems to include solar panels; good clothing and footwear and other personal survival gear. There should not a major issue with one getting better in all areas at the same time to include purchasing PMs even if you only can afford one Silver ound at a time.

I won't be using Gold or Silver to buy food, firearms, ammunition, batteries, seeds, clothes as I have enough of those items already,...at least for the short term.

I have PM's in case I need something I forgot, or maybe a fuel purchase or just about anything that cannot be foreseen, hence stocked.

Monday, June 13, 2011

I received an e-mail from Bill regarding Chinese companies establishing factories here in the United States , Bill writes: ”Have you seen this? As I understand the concept, this will be an independent Chinese community. And, the models built in China have exploded in population. But, the independence is what bothers me...along with the provision of special immigration status and the proximity to an airport. Perhaps I'm reading more into this than I should but I can envision this and any other similar zones established in the US to become outposts for Chinese military and intelligence operations that would pose a significant security risk or, in the event of a catastrophic event of some sort, the means for "invasion". Is my thinking off the wall?...Thanks...Bill”

What Bill is talking about comes from an article from December in the Idaho Statesman

Apparently a Chinese national company is interested in developing a 10,000- to 30,000-acre technology zone for industry, retail centers and homes south of the Boise Airport. Officials of the China National Machinery Industry Corp. have broached the idea — based on a concept popular in China today — to city and state leaders. They are also interested in helping build and finance a fertilizer plant near American Falls, an idea company officials returned to Idaho this month to pursue.

This ambitious, long-term proposal would start with a manufacturing and warehouse zone tied to the airport, and could signify a shift in the economic relationship between the two superpowers — a relationship once defined by U.S. companies like the J.R. Simplot Co., Hewlett-Packard and Morrison-Knudsen that would head to China to build and develop.

Public comment over the concept of a Chinese company getting the red carpet treatment have promoted a lot of anti-chinese comments and some of that obviously is frustration with the direction the U.S. economy is going. In fact, following Wall Streets six week slide and the U.S. Government’s inability to fix the budget and national debt issues, the head of a top Chinese rating agency, Guan Jianzhong, president of Dagong Global Credit Rating Co. Ltd., claims it's too late……that the U.S. has as already defaulted by letting the U.S. dollar weaken. "In our opinion, the United States has already been defaulting," Guan was quoted as saying.

I guess it just isn't bad enough that China has to fund most of our foreign debt, the fact that States are kowtowing to Chinese and foreign firms because our economic leverage in the world is decaying rapidly is the most dangerous thing in my mind.

Although I am a giant believer in States Rights, the State of Idaho has no statutory authority to grant ANY immigration status let alone a special one. Bill has a point that this and other Chinese businesses, which are owned by the Chinese Government, whose end state is the destruction of the U.S. as a world class economic and military power, would have a foot hold in which to conduct economic sabotage, possible have control over elements of industry and certainly use the business to bring in intelligence operatives for espionage against the U.S. Government and U.S. industry.

Having control over an airport doesn’t do you any overt good since you would still have to fly airplanes into the U.S. airspace and through the National Air Defense network. What good it would do for the Chinese is for direct flights to land where Chinese could easily develop protocols to circumvent U.S. Customs bringing in basically anything they wanted to include chemical and biological agents, nuclear devices and personnel.

Friday, June 10, 2011

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com received a comment from Anonymous on the article.... Urban Survival comments on Rawles' American Redoubt....."We are in a bad recession possibly even a depression. Our leaders seem clueless and will not do what it takes to get us out of it. But that's about it. Nothing I see now or on the horizon that indicates I should run for the hills. I'm sorry to have to say that I seriously question the wisdom and even sanity of anyone who would advise such a "

"Sure if it's already in your heart to move to the country then why not move to someplace where you can be self-sufficient and defend your land. But if you have a job and a family for crying out loud don't go running to the hills. And certainly don't buy this myth that the mountains of Montana or Idaho is going to be safe while everywhere else will be Armageddon. This is ludicrous and naive. Of course if I lived in Detroit I would be looking for a way out but most of the country is as safe as any of the country is. Let's not go off the deep end here......"

UrbanMan replies: If you were in Detroit, there would be alot of competition on the roads leading out of town. It is rapidly becoming a ghost town with a reported 50% of the urban schools now empty.

Anyway, let's say for sake of the argument that this double dip recession leads to hyper inflation with the dollar collapsing. With the resultant skyrocketing of commodities and fuel prices and the availability of those items declining, heading for the hills ain't going to make things better. Safer maybe from two legged threats, but unless you go into a community that is self sufficient then this is not an option and certainly not an option for the majority of Americans.

The sad fact is that things are probably not going to get better. I do not see Congress getting the big recession under control. I see the U.S. credit and bond rating falling taking the U.S. dollar out of World reserve currency status which will of course lead to hyper inflation and rising prices of commodities and fuels. Food is going to be expensive and less available. Fuel the same. No matter where you are at, you are going to have to consider what these threats mean to you. A lot of people are going to be layed off. The 50 million or so people on food stamps and other government assistance will not be able to live off of what the government gives them anymore, creating a pool of people, actually 1/6th of our population hungry and mad.

People will have to resort to family and community gardens just to provide some of what they need to eat. This of course if best done outside of Urban Areas. Best course of action fr people who are not familial restricted or bound to a certain geographical area is to re-locate to outside a small farming or other rural, agricultural based area. Maybe you are a Diesel Mechanic, EMT-Paramedic, Nurse, Doctor or have some other skills that would fit in to the community needs in order to turn a small paycheck and be within that support group,......survival is a team sport. Do you know just how much land it would take you to grow the crops to feed your family for a year, assuming you had the ability and materials to can goods?

I am not planning on getting out of the urban/suburban area I am presently in, unless a job opened up in a rural place I would like to go. I would have to intentionally leave the support system I have so carefully built over the years here. So I am not planning on heading to Mr Rawles' American Survival Redoubt area,....most of it is too cold for my tastes anyway and growing food year round would be very hard to do without having some large heated greenhouses.

Through extensive evaluation Winchester has determined the above lots of RANGER® Law Enforcement ammunition may contain incorrect propellant. Incorrect propellant in this ammunition may cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable, and subject the shooter or bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury when fired.

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To determine if your ammunition is subject to this notice, review the Lot Number. If the last four characters of the Lot Number are DK01, DK11, DK21, DK31, DK41, DK51, DM70, DM80, DM90, DM01, DM11 or DM21 immediately discontinue use and contact Winchester toll-free at 866-423-5224 to arrange for replacement ammunition and free UPS pick-up of the recalled ammunition.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com received a comment from Anonymous on the article Survival Planning - Validity of Gold/Silver in Trade or Barter....."I have purchased more gold and silver then you can carry, twice as much as you can carry. I held it for 20 years, no exaggeration. When prices went up I sold it and was so happy to get my money back and make a profit. Even so I could have made more if I had invested it or put it in CD's. A little gold or silver bought at a bargin price is insurance or even an investment. A lot of gold and silver at any price or a smaller amount at a high price is like an anchor."

UrbanMan replies: Have to disagree with you here for the most part. Sure, if you sink all of your available liquidity into Gold and Silver then it can become a problem several ways: finding vendors to cashing it in or accept it in trade in this current economy; or even moving and/or safeguarding a weighty amount.........unless your primary reason is that you have bought your Precious Metals in support of a collapse survival plan.

That's what I have bought my Silver for. Last month when Silver was briefly $50 an ounce, I could have sold all the silver I bought for less than $5 an ounce and made a 500% profit (someone please check my math!). However, I bought that silver and continued to buy small amounts over the years so I would have some way of purchasing necessary items when cash, or what we call fiat currency, failed.

But it certainly is interesting that some financial institutions and higher institutes of learning have taken physical possession of the PM's. In some cases that weight amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars of annual storage and security fees. Why would they do this if they felt Gold and Silver were an anchor? Why would they incur the storage and security costs unless they thought there was a possibility of not being able to take possession at a later date?

Just food for thought and of course all this depends upon one's definition of how much, weight wise, is enough,...or how much weight wise is too much to safeguard or transport. Certainly if you were located in your final Safe Location than storage in safes and hidden below ground caches would be an option.

Thanks for your comment and chance to think. After all, if we do not analyze the problems and develop workable solutions, considering the threats and the environment, then we have a good chance of missing something.

Monday, June 6, 2011

When most people think of solar power they envision larger solar panel's on roof tops providing power to lights or refrigerators. UrbanSurvivalSkills.com has written several times about the need to consider alternative power sources in depth, meaning having the capability to recharge and/or power items at your Safe location and on the move.

Power requirements in a base camp setting will be much bigger than when you are on the move simply because of size constraints and time restraints.

I have several solar power options. One large, really non-manportable (unless in a vehicle) solar power system that charges deep cycle batteries for use with a power inverter so 110/115v tools can be used and small appliances such as refrigerators can be powered.

My other man-portable solar charging systems is a fairly expensive (around $1,000) kit that I can carry in a Bug Out bag or a rucksack in order to charge radio, flashlight and lantern batteries when I am on foot.

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com recently found out about another small man-portable solar panel provider from a company called GOAL ZERO.

From their website, GOAL ZERO states they are innovators of portable solar power systems that power a variety of USB, AC and DC devices anywhere and at anytime. Providing a perfect blend of portability, power, and ease-of-use, GOAL ZERO products feature full solar energy systems -solar panels, power packs and accessories - each designed to work in concert with each other.

Guide 10 Power Pack
Guide 10 Power Pack is an Ultra-Lightweight USB solar charging system that fits in your pocket. Use as a single unit power pack to power your device or as a power source to recharge the batteries for use in AA or AAA battery powered devices. Recharge you cell phone 1-3 times per charge with the Guide 10 Power Pack. Charge up the Guide 10 Power Pack with the Nomad 7 Solar Panel in 1.5 hours or via USB in 6 hours.

The Guide 10 Power Pack consists of two components:

Guide 10 Battery Pack
- Charge AA/AAA batteries from the sun in 1.5 hrs with Nomad 7 solar panel
- Recharge your cell phone 1-3 times per charge
- Built-in LED flashlight that runs 20+ hours per charge
- Stores power for charging devices day or night
- Very small, about the size of a cell phone
- Can also charge via USB
- Includes 4 pack of AA rechargeable batteries
- AAA Battery insert available with AAA battery purchase

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The only thing that could prevent another oil shock from happening before the end of 2012 would be another major economic contraction. The emerging oil data continues to tell a tale of ever-tightening supplies that will soon be exceeded by rising global demand. This time, we will not be able to blame speculators for the steep prices we experience; instead, we will have nothing to blame but geology.

Back in 2009, I wrote a pair of reports in which I calculated that we’d see another price spike in oil by 2010 or 2011, based on some assumptions about global GDP growth rates, rates of decline in existing oil fields, and new projects set to come online. Given the recent price spike in oil (Brent crude over $126, now at $115) and recent oil supply data, those predictions turned out to be quite solid (for reference, oil was trading in the low $60s at the time).

One part I whiffed on was in my prediction that the world community would have embraced the idea of Peak Oil by now and begun adjusting accordingly, but that’s not really true except in a few cases (e.g. Sweden). Perhaps things are being differently and more seriously considered behind closed doors, but out in public the dominant story line concerns reinvigorating consumer demand, not a looming liquid fuel crisis.

At any rate, with Brent crude oil having lofted over $100/bbl at the beginning of February 2011 and remained above that for four months now, we are already in the middle of a price shock.

Looking at the new data I am now ready to move my ‘Peak Oil is a statistically unavoidable fact’ event to sometime in 2012, which tightens my prediction from the prior range of 2012-2013.

The next shock will drive oil to new heights that are currently unimaginable for most. First, $200/bbl will be breached, then $300, and then more. And these are in current dollar terms; any additional dollar weakness will simply be additive to the actual quoted price. By this I mean that if oil were to trade at $200 but the dollar lost one half of its value along the way, then oil would be priced at $400.

In 2009, I wrote a special report on oil that explored the interplay between energy and the economy. At that time, the stock market was in the tank, global growth was in a freefall, and things looked gloomy. (And in regards to the masive Federal Stimulus)....these trillions and trillions of dollars, which, along with (borrowed) foreign equivalents (money), are being applied to “ease the credit crunch,” will eventually find their mark and deliver what feels like a legitimate rebound in activity. (Don't be fooled into complacency with mediocre short term stats that indicate a economic recovery).

For now, debts are defaulting faster than the various central banks and governments can inject new money and borrowing activity into the system. Banks aren’t lending because there are very few compelling loans to make, especially if future losses have to actually be carried by the bank making the loan.

But this won’t be true forever. Sooner or later, all the trillions of new dollars will trot out of the barn, begin to gallop, and then thunder off, creating the appearance of a healthy economy. (But) it will be a cruel illusion. Money is only one component of growth. As we’ve strenuously proposed, energy is a necessary prerequisite for growth.

Housing remains in a serious slump, wage-based income growth is poor, Europe remains mired in a serious debt crisis, Japan has slumped back into recession, and the US fiscal deficit is a structural nightmare. Worse, GDP growth is relatively tepid and would be negative, deeply negative, without all the deficit spending and liquidity measures.

We are driving at a high rate of speed into a box canyon,.....Peak Oil is only one of many factors.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Received a comment from Jack regarding the validity of Gold and Silver as a currency,..."I have been buying in small quantities, and recently I have started buying in slightly larger quantities. Like you, it is not an investment, but a lifeline. I suppose you can call them one in the same depending on the situation at hand. The question still remains, however, will people (the average merchant) recognize, when the time comes, the silver or gold round as a form of currency. I have said in the past that the average urbanite or suburbanite will continue to use 'cash' until it is depleted. Only then will they be in a pickle. Thoughts?"

UrbanMan's reply: Jack, I'm sure you recognize that nothing is predictable. After all we are patterning our survival preps on movies, books and just possible events and how we see them impacting our lives and security. Substitute food or guns for gold and silver and I think you'll agree that PM's and their potential value is just another possibility that we have to plan for.

There are a remarkable number of small stores which now trade commodities for Gold and Silver, mostly silver, and most of that being in coins of a silver melt value.

I personally think that the "currency or trade cycle" after a catastrophic collapse will be paper fiat cash, then gold and silver, then straight commodities barter, then back to Gold and Silver. The interval between each in this cycle will be drivien by several factors: dependent upon the severity and type of collapse and the strength of the dollar when it happens; time of year as this affects food availability as well as the existing availability of food at the time of the total collapse; as well as each individual you are bartering with will have their own needs....could be food, medications, fuel, etc.

I think that everyone needs to keep some cash on hand. I keep $3,000 in 5, 10 and 20 dollar denominations in one of my gun safes as I envision a time when the banks are too hard or dangerous to get to, or they are closed (banking holidays), or the withdrawal limit is something ridiculous. There will be people accepting cash, albeit at hyper prices, well after most of us realize it is worthless as these people will think the government will make everything all better - hell, the government caused all this in the first place!

I am not advocating going broke buying Gold or Silver. What I am advocating is that complete Survival Preparations also consists of cash on hand and Precious Metals,...as well as stocked food, guns for security, equipment, supplies and material that will be necessary to survive in a degraded society, a Bug Out or Safe location and a plan. You can add developing a survival group to that as survival is a team sport. Be safe Jack.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com was sent an article Mr Lee Bellinger and his product which is a manual, entitled Independent Living's Ultimate Self Reliance Mega-Manual: 151 Practical Strategies for Thriving in a Shattered Economy.

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com has no financial link with Mr Bellinger. The sole purpose of this post was to inform readers of Survival - Collapse Preparation sources of information.

Mr. Bellinger advertises:

Gas and food prices skyrocketing...

Decimated home values, withering 401(k)s...

Massive unemployment, the devaluing dollar...

Unraveling social safety net, confiscatory taxes...

Who are YOU relying on to secure your future – your financial advisor? An employer? A family member? The government? The fact is there's really no one left you can or should rely on... except yourself.

The Wall Street Journal in October stated that the implications for our future are truly frightening......"Total monetary and financial collapse of the massive government debt bubble is upon us, with devastating real-world consequences for your savings, property values, investments, and other assets."

Lee Bellinger, the founder and publisher of Independent Living, a private advisory letter for individuals who seek to become more self-reliant in these challenging and unprecedented times, has developed a 224-page, manual, called

Independent Living's Ultimate Self Reliance Mega-Manual: 151 Practical Strategies for Thriving in a Shattered Economy, which provides information on how to stock up on food, water, and fuel – a real lifesaver in case of critical shortages of these essential supplies as well as providing cutting-edge strategies for reclaiming your privacy from snoops, corporations, and government busybodies. Plus, Mr Bellinger states he is going to send anyone ordering his manual an one half ounce silver coin – to start (or add to) any holdings in precious metals.

Independent Living puts forth 10 Signs America Is Becoming a Third-World Country before Our Eyes:

Rising unemployment and poverty (both are much bleaker than official reports portray, as government statisticians routinely "cook the books").

Increasing political corruption (not only the criminal trials and sex scandals that make for titillating headlines, but the insidious, below-the-radar payola system that corrupts government at all levels).

Military patrolling the streets (my newsletter has detailed the hush-hush training of thousands of U.S. troops for deployment in urban America ).

Devalued currency (the inevitable result of chronic deficit spending).

Controlling the media (the FCC, having effectively co-opted the major networks, is now eyeing talk radio controls and internet "neutrality").

Capital controls (preventing free markets and free people from correcting and disciplining the financial misdeeds of big government).

UrbanMan comments: Nowhere is there any proof that the U.S. Government is "patrolling our streets with the military" outside of response to natural disasters. There is on-going training in riot and crowd control tactics and techniques, however there is only conspiratorial thought on the government's intent on using military actively in this country.

I have not bought the manual and do not now if I will. However, if anyone is interested in checking this out, the links are as follows: